Advice on puppy sales contracts comes up regularly, so this is a new thread to collate the different wording that you all use on your puppy sales contracts. Anyone who would like to add their own 'contract' to this thread, please do so. The thread will be a useful reference in the future.

This thread is for your contract wording only and not debate.Please respond to the original post

Posted By philippa On 22.03.02 

This is our sales contract....
Irish Wolfhounds.
Date of Birth.
Purchase price.
Date of sale.
Sex.
Colour.
KC reg number.
Dam.
Sire.

Your puppy has been raised in a busy household enviroment and therefore is used to the doorbell, hoover, telephone , people laughing and all everyday noises. He/she has been handled and socialised since the moment of birth. He/she has within the last two days been health checked by our vet. You have 48 hours to have your vet health check the puppy. If anything is found that you are not happy with , we will take back the puppy and refund your money.

You will find two endorsements on your pups registration. This is to protect your puppy and if you wish to breed from her/him at a later date, we will lift the breeding endorsment providing that the dog is a good specimen of the breed and is of sound temprement. We will not lift the " not for export" endorsemnt unless you can prove to us that you are emigrating.
Do not change your puppys diet suddenly. Follow instructions given on the diet sheet.Change it gradually over 3-5 days.This will reduce the risk of stomach upset and diarrhoea, which can be very serious in young puppies. Keep to a low protein diet during the first twelve months.
Feed your puppy regularly at approx same time each day whenever possible.
Please be aware of a condition called Gastric Torsion, commonly known as bloat. This is a life threatening condition and a true veterinary emergency. Many deep chested breeds are prone to this condition. Research has shown that the risk can be greatly reduced if the following steps are taken...Always feed your dog from a raised feeding bowl, also offer water in the same way.
Do not exercise your animal an hour before or an hour after feeding.
Do not allow your dog to drink LOTS of water directly before or after feeding.
Do not feed your dog if it is panting heavily.
Do not feed your dog a gassy dog food.
Do not allow your dog to drink lots of water if he /she is very warm.
Your puppy has been checked for Liver Shunt and carries a clear certificate.
Your puppy has been wormed three times. Regular worming is very important to your dog. Please continue to worm approx every three months, throughout your dogs life.
You are strongly advised to take out a fully comprehensive insurance cover on your dog when the puppy cover lapses. Wolfhound vet bills can be very like the dog itself..big!!
Do not let your puppy climb up and down stairs or jump on and off furniture.Damage to legs and joints can easily occur in young Irish Wolfhounds.
Do not over exercise your puppy. A short daily walk is sufficient up until 6 months of age.
Make sure your pup has soft bedding to lie on, away from damp and draughty areas.
Give your puppy toys to play with that are safe for a mouth that big. No little balls, tiny toys,
Do not give Wolfhounds hide chews of ANY size.
Right from the start train your puppy to allow you to take food and toys away from it. This action may one day save your dogs life.
I f there is anything in this contract that you are not happy with and do not wish to sign, we are sorry, but we will be unable to sell you one of our puppies.
We are always at the end of the telephone for you, 24 hours a day, if you are worried or concerned ,call us!!
Finally, if anytime throughout your dogs life, at whatever age, or for whatever reason,you can no longer keep your dog, we will ALWAYS take the dog back. We bred him / her and as the breeders are committed to the dogs welfare and well being.
Please keep in contact, and let us know how the pup is doing, we love them as much as you do. 

This is our one - very similar in essence to the others:

Name……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Born …………………………..Sex…………………………….Colour………………………………

Kennel Club Registration No. …………………………………………………………..

Please read this very carefully.

1. Your new puppy has been bred and reared with the utmost love and care to every detail. These points have been drawn up to maintain the quality both in your puppy and in the Flatcoated Retriever breed.

2. The puppy is believed to be in good health but you are strongly advised to take it to your veterinary surgeon for a general health check within four days of purchase. It is always useful to establish a relationship with your vet at this stage. This check and any tests or examinations associated with it must be at your expense.

3. If your veterinary surgeon finds any problem which, in his their opinion, renders the puppy unfit for sale, I will take the puppy back and refund the full purchase price on condition that the puppy is returned within seven days of purchase and is in the same state of health as when it was sold. Before purchase you should consider the puppy as a living thing which will become a much loved member of the family in a very short time, and this may effect what you wish to do if return of the puppy becomes necessary. After drawing your attention to this possibility, I can not be held responsible for any distress caused to you and your family by return of the puppy.

4. Before purchase, I recommend that you consult your veterinary surgeon about this breed and any possible diseases, genetic or otherwise, to which it is prone, and you accept that I, the breeder, can not be held responsible if such a disease develops later in life; after a satisfactory preliminary examination by your veterinary surgeon.

5. The Flatcoated Retriever Society have recommended that your pup's pedigree is endorsed with a Kennel Club Export Restriction, to prevent export to parts of the world where standards of canine care are low. Additionally, in an attempt to prevent puppy farming, a breeding endorsement is also in force. Both of these endorsements can be lifted by myself, or my executors should you have a bona-fide reason to emigrate or to breed from your dog after proof of satisfactory hip-score and eye test.

6. Should your circumstances change in the future and you become unable to keep the Flatcoated Retriever, he/she should not be placed in general rescue kennels but referred immediately to me, the breeder.

7. The purchaser agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics drawn up by the Flatcoated Retriever Society.

Signed ……………………………. J.H. Hewison (Breeder)

Purchaser ……………………………………. BLOCK CAPITALS ……………………………………

Date ………………………………….

Our contract for Holly says:

Name of Dog.........
Date of Birth.........
Reg Number..........
Breed......... Colour........
Breeder........
Address.......

Purchaser.........
Address...........

The breeder warrants title of the puppy but no other warranty as to the soundness or otherwise is given except as may be implied by law. The Breeder has by good breeding practice endeavoured to reduce the probability that the animal may in future be seriously affected by an inherited defect, which is not apparant at the time of the sale. Such risk shall be borne by the purchaser.

If a veterinry surgeon shall within ....... months of the sale certify that the soundness of the animal is seriously affected by an inherited defect the breeder shall refund to the purchaser ..... per cent of the purchase price. The purchaser has read and accepts the above conditions of sale and the endorsements of the Kennel Club listed below.

KC Endorsements
a) Not for export
b) Not for breeding.

The breeder has inserted 6 months and 50% refund.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fiona

When I first did mine I wanted it to be a clear statement of intent, what people were buying, and some advice.  I did not want a long winded legalistic document, as from what I have heard these things don't hold much water in law, but at least what it does do is prevent someone claiming I did not tell them this or that, and covers the endorsements.

I want my puppy buyers to feel they are part of my family, and as such do not want to wrap them up in legal red tape.  I want to make it clear that they have bought a companion first and foremost, whose parents have been health screeened, but that puppies are living creatures whose future development is impossible to predict, in other words I have done my best!

This is my latest version, as it has undergone small changes with experience;

Affix & Breed
PUPPY SALE AGREEMENT

Every effort has been made to ensure that your puppy is healthy in body and mind, and is sold subject to it being understood that as a living creature it is impossible to predict how it will continue to develop, especially as regards behaviour over which you will have the principal influence.

Both your puppy's parents have been HIP SCORED with good results, hold a current EYE TEST, and NORMAL KIDNEY blood test.  They are typical examples of the breed, with excellent temperaments.

The puppies have been reared with care in a busy family environment, exposed to all normal household activities.

You will see on your 'KENNEL CLUB' REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE that there are two ENDORSEMENTS on the forms.  These are to safeguard the welfare of the puppy and the breed.  Should you wish to breed from your puppy in the future, I will apply to the 'Kennel Club' to lift the breeding restriction, subject to receiving copies of Satisfactory HIP, and EYE test Certificates, and Normal Kidney blood test result.  If you have a bitch puppy, this would not be until she is over two years old.  These requirements are in line with 'THE NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN' Code of Ethics.

It is essential that you take your puppy to a Veterinarian in the first few days for a health check, and to make arrangements for inoculations.  Should there be a health problem not attributable to its journey home (travel sickness) or change in food or water (tummy upset), and this renders him/her unfit for sale as a companion, a full refund of the purchase price will be made on production of a Veterinary report.

The puppy will have been wormed at least twice before leaving its mother.  You should worm again at 12 weeks, and monthly to six months of age.  Thereafter you should worm regularly 2 to 4 times a year. 

You have been provided with food that the puppy has been reared on.  Any changes must be gradual.  As a general rule Elkhounds will need between 2/3rds and ¾ of the amounts suggested by the manufacturer (no more than 250-275g in puppyhood, and 200-225g in adulthood), puppy should be kept fit, not fat.  Puppies should be fed 4 meals a day to about 3 months of age, then 3 meals to about 5-6 months, reducing to twice a day until a year old.  After this you may wish to feed once a day, or continue with a small breakfast, and a main meal in the evening.

Please carefully read all the literature provided with the puppy, and remember that you can always contact me for any advice on care and training.  I STRONGLY recommend attending training classes as soon as inoculations are complete.  Do not let BAD HABITS develop, as they can usually be 'nipped in the bud', unnecessary BARKING especially should be discouraged.  If I do not have the answers, I can probably point you in the right direction.

The puppy is covered by six weeks Insurance, and has a tattoo in its ear for identification.  You will need to transfer the ownership with the 'Kennel club' and 'National dog Tattoo register'.

If through unforeseen circumstances it becomes necessary to find your dog a new home, you should contact me as I may be in a better position to find the RIGHT new home, this would normally not entail any refund, as the adopters would not expect to pay for an older pup or adult dog.

I hope your puppy will be a valued member of your family for a long happy healthy lifetime.  ENJOY!!!  

PUPPY'S REGISTERED NAME:    ...........................................

KENNEL CLUB REGISTRATION NO:  ...........................................

EAR TATTOO NO:        ...........................................

DATE OF BIRTH:          SEX:
.............................................      .................................   
Name and address (New Owner):       (Breeder):
.............................................      BARBARA B******
.............................................      ** ****** AVE
.............................................     
.............................................      BRISTOL
.............................................      BS1* ***
Tel No:   .................................     Tel No:  (0117) 9******6

Signature (New Owner):                   (Breeder):

.............................................      ...................................

Date:  ....................................

(Updated)

Puppy Contract

This is an important document. You should not buy the Puppy and sign this Contract unless you intend to be bound by its’ terms.

This agreement is dated-------------
Between Christine ....... (The Breeder)
(Referred to in this document as me, my, I.

And (The Buyers)
Of: Telephone:
(Referred to in this document as you, your, yours)

Particulars of the Dobermann Puppy:
Name:
Registration No:
Microchip No
Sex Bitch
Date of Birth
Price £
Colour Black & Rust

1. Certain breeds of dogs may be affected by disease, some of which are genetic, or partly genetic in origin. You acknowledge that:

1.1 You have been advised to consult a Veterinary Surgeon to discuss this Breed and any potential problems the breed may have. A Veterinary Surgeon is the person best qualified to advise you on such matters.

1.2 The parents of this puppy has been Hip Scored and DNA tested for von Willebrands Disease & Eye Tested for PHPV
Dam (results)
Sire (results)
(plus any puppy testing)

I believe the Puppy to be in good health, but gives no warranty to its health

2. You are advised to take the Puppy to your Veterinary Surgeon for a general health check within four days of the purchase date. The check and any associated tests, examination or certificates, will be at your expense as you hereby acknowledge.

3. If the Veterinary Surgeon finds any problem which in his opinion renders the Puppy unfit for sale, you may return the Puppy for a full refund of the purchase price provided that:

4.1 You specifically confirm that I will not be held responsible for any distress caused by the return of the Puppy.

4.2 You are solely liable for any costs associated with the return of the Puppy to me.

4.3 The Puppy is returned within 5 days of sale in the same state of health in which it was sold.

4.4 You provide a written statement from your vet setting out the problem and including the name and identifying microchip number.

4. You guarantee that the Puppy will not be transferred to a third party, without my express permission in writing under any circumstances. If this clause is breached, and I am forced to locate the Puppy, you acknowledge that you will be liable for the costs of recovery, including overseas recovery if the Puppy is found to be exported, whether or not the you knew the Puppy was exported.

5. You guarantee that your fencing is sufficient to keep an active Dobermann within your grounds and that this Puppy will not be kept permanently in a kennel or cage, or tied up and will not be regularly left unattended for periods longer than four hours.

6. You confirm that you will properly house, feed, water and exercise this dog and will arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required. Not allow it to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties and when away from home will ensure that the dog wears a property tagged collar and shall be kept leashed or under effective control.

7. Should you have any tests undertaken on this dog including tests for Hip Dysplasia, Heart Tests, Thyroid, von Willebrands Disease plus any other tests which could be of interest to me due to their possible effect on future breeding programmes a copy of the results will be passed to me. All tests to be undertaken at the your cost.

8. You confirm that you will attend training/socialisation classes with this Puppy (It is advised that these are carried on for at least two years to ensure a well socialised and trained Dobermann

9. You agree to advise me twice a year of the dog’s progress by virtue of phone calls or photographs or video tapes showing the condition of the dog and will not hesitate to contact me with any problems or questions that the you may have concerning the ownership of the dog.

10. You guarantee that if for any reason you are unwilling to keep the Puppy/ Dog at any time, I will be given the first opportunity of re-homing.

11. You will inform the me of any and all changes of address and/or telephone numbers during the ownership of the dog.

12. The Kennel Club Registration Form states that this puppy cannot have an Export Certificate. Should you decide to permanently reside abroad and provide me with proof of this intent this restriction may be lifted at my discretion.

13. The Kennel Club Registration Form states that the progeny from this Dobermann may not be registered. This means that should you breed from this dog you cannot register its offspring. This restriction may be lifted at my discretion should all health checks and tests have been carried out, if she has been shown and deemed by breed specialist judges to be a good specimen of the breed, and the proposed (health tested) mate approved by me in each instance.

14. This Puppy is sold as a Pet.

Signed by Breeder ______________________________ --___ Dated _______

Signed by Purchaser__________________________________ Dated _______________
By signing this contract the Purchaser(s) confirm(s) that they have read and agree to all the terms set out within.

Would anyone else like to add to this thread? Please reply to the original post. Thank you

Would just like to add that experience often leads to alterations, clarifications, additions to the basic contract.

Also there are those like me who try to keep to the most important aspects on just one double sided  sheet of A4, so that we can be sure the new owners have read and taken it all in.  We know that all such contracts can be challenged, so the most important aspect is the original intentions, and purpose.

For example if your contract clearly states the pup is sold as a companion, then should it turn out to not be of breeding quality, bite goes wrong, both testicles don't descend etc, this does not affect the pups suitability for the purpose it was sold.

If the results of parental health tests are mentioned, and it is made clear this does not guarantee freedom from the same of pups, then no reasonable person could argue they were unaware of the risk etc.

You can always provide additional information for the owners separately re rearing advice, health schemes etc.

Here is my latest version:

Breeders Affix and breed
PUPPY SALE AGREEMENT

Every effort has been made to ensure that your puppy is healthy in body and mind, and is sold subject to it being understood that as a living creature it is impossible to predict how it will continue to develop, especially as regards behaviour over which you will have the principal influence.

Both your puppy's parents have been HIP SCORED with good results; hold a current EYE TEST, and NORMAL KIDNEY blood test.  They are typical examples of the breed, with excellent temperaments.

The puppies have been reared with care in a busy family environment, exposed to all normal household activities.

You will see on your 'KENNEL CLUB' REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE that there are two ENDORSEMENTS on the forms.  These are to safeguard the welfare of the puppy and the breed.  Should you wish to breed from your puppy in the future, I will apply to the 'Kennel Club' to lift the breeding restriction, provided he/she is of sound temperament and general health with no major conformation faults according to the KC breed standard, subject to receiving copies of Satisfactory HIP, and EYE test Certificates, and Normal Kidney blood test result, and that any potential plans for breeding is discussed with me in advance.  If you have a bitch puppy, this would not be until she is over two years old.  These requirements are in line with 'THE NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN' Code of Ethics.

It is essential that you take your puppy to a Veterinarian in the first few days for a health check, and to make arrangements for inoculations.  Should there be a health problem not attributable to its journey home (travel sickness) or change in food or water (tummy upset), and this renders him/her unfit for sale as a companion, a full refund of the purchase price will be made on production of a Veterinary report.

The puppy will have been wormed at least twice before leaving its mother.  You should worm again at 12 weeks, and monthly to six months of age.  Thereafter you should worm regularly 2 to 4 times a year. 

You have been provided with food that the puppy has been reared on.  Any changes must be gradual.  As a general rule Norwegian Elkhounds will need between 2/3rds and ¾ of the amounts suggested by the manufacturer (no more than 250-275g in puppyhood, and 175-225g in adulthood), puppy should be kept fit, not fat.  Puppies should be fed 4 meals a day to about 3 months of age, then 3 meals to about 5-6 months, reducing to twice a day until a year old.  After this you may wish to feed once a day, or continue with a small breakfast, and a main meal in the evening.

Please carefully read all the literature provided with the puppy, and remember that you can always contact me for any advice on care and training.  I STRONGLY recommend attending training classes as soon as inoculations are complete.  Do not let BAD HABITS develop, as they can usually be 'nipped in the bud', unnecessary BARKING especially should be discouraged.  If I do not have the answers, I can probably point you in the right direction.

The puppy is covered by six weeks Insurance, and has a tattoo in its ear for identification.  You will need to transfer the ownership with the 'Kennel club' and 'National dog Tattoo register'.

If through unforeseen circumstances it becomes necessary to find your dog a new home, you should contact me as I may be in a better position to find the RIGHT new home, this would normally not entail any refund, as the adopters would not expect to pay for an older pup or adult dog.

I hope your puppy will be a valued member of your family for a long happy healthy lifetime.  ENJOY!!! 

PUPPY'S REGISTERED NAME:    ...........................................

KENNEL CLUB REGISTRATION NO:  ...........................................

EAR TATTOO NO:        ...........................................

DATE OF BIRTH:            SEX:
.............................................      .................................   
Name and address (New Owner):      (Breeder):
.............................................      BARBARA BARGANSKA
.............................................      ** ******* ******
.............................................      *********
.............................................      BRISTOL
.............................................      BS** ***
Tel No:   .................................      Tel No:  (****) *******

Signature (New Owner):                               (Breeder):

.............................................      ...................................

Date:  ....................................

My contract is just a confirmation of sale. I do a seven page handbooklet to advise on care, diet, exersise, health matters, training etc. Do you want that as well? Your very welcome!!

CONTRACT:

Affix & Breed
CONTRACT OF SALE

We
Of

Being the purchasers of
Affix

Agree and accept the following conditions of sale:

1. Both parents of said puppy have hip and elbow scores that comply with the BMD club guidelines and we are happy that the breeders have done their best to reduce the risks to the puppy of hereditary defects.

2. The puppy carries two endorsements on its KC reg.
      A, Progeny not eligible for KC reg
       B. Not eligible for issue of export pedigree.
We understand the breeder would; upon us fulfilling the following criteria: lift one or both of these endorsements.

A, If the endorsements concerning registering of puppies is to be lifted then the parent must have had elbow and hip e-rays that are within the breed average scores and must have an acceptable temperaments and be of sufficient breed merit (I would like to have the opinion of at least one independent Bernese specialist to confirm this) to justify the breeding of a litter of pups.

B, The endorsement covering export will only be lifted on the breeders terms if happy with the reasons for exporting a pup out of the country i.e. emigration of the family, or showing purposes.

3. We will endeavour to give this puppy a safe home for it's life and agree under all circumstances. To informing the breeder if it ever needs re-homing and returning it to them if possible for such re-homing. We understand the Breeders will ALLWAYS take back this pup under ANY circumstances.

4. No guarantees were given or accepted for the show quality of this BMD puppy.

5. The price of this puppy is £****** Paid in full, before or on collection.

Signed: Purchaser:

Signed Breeders:

Dated:

The one I for my Miniature Pinscher, is as follows (of course if someone was wanting to use this, they would change all "Canadian" to respective countries)

Breeder Information

Purchaser __________
Address of Purchaser ___________
Telephone Number ____________________

Name of Dog:__________________
Born: _________________________         Litter Reg # ______________   Tattoo # __________________
Sire: _______________________________   CKC Reg #___________________________
Dam: ______________________________    CKC Reg #___________________________

2) The seller warrants that, to the best of their knowledge, and at the time of sale, the dog is in good health, free of parasites, of sound temperment, and free of any congenital defects.  The purchaser must, unless otherwise stated herein, have the dog checked by a veterinarian of his/her choice at his/her expense within 48 hours of pick up or delivery of the dog.  If within 7 days of pickup or delivery of the dog, the purchaser may return the dog to the breeder, and the full price of the dog will be refunded. less any cost associated with transfer of ownership in the Canadian Kennel Club Records.

3) The dog is sold, as purebred and registration papers with the CKC will be furnished at no cost to the purchaser.  The registration papers will be forwarded upon receipt from the CKC along with a copy of the dogs pedigree.  Puppies sold to pet homes, must be spayed/neutered before leaving the breeders premises.

4) The purchaser agrees to provide housing, socialization, exercise and food for the dog.  Along with any necessary veterinary care, including inoculations for distemper, hepatitis, rabies, corona, heartworm, parvovirus,and the necessary treatment for parasites.  The seller will, to the best of their ability, provide advice and information to the purchaser in this regard.

5) The purchaser agrees not to sell the dog to any agent or pet store.  If it becomes necessary to find a new home for the dog, the seller must first contact the purchaser to make arrangements, to find a new home.  Seller will have first option, to buy the dog back, at NO MORE than 50% of the original purchase price.  One must be aware, that the sellers intentions are true and genuine and sincere to place puppy to a new loving home, over even the cost.  Transfer of second ownership will be fully paid by the first purchaser, through the Canadian Kennel Club, with sellers assistance

6) This puppy is not to be disposed of or resold without permission of the breeder who will have first refusal and will help resell the puppy.

(7 and 8 are dependant on whether pup sold on a no breed (pet) or as a show quality puppy)

7) ( ) This puppy is sold on a non-breeding contract Upon proof of new owners vet, of spaying/neutering can be provided to the breeder, that their individual registration papers with the Canadian Kennel Club will be forwarded to the new owners.  If it is found that said puppy has been bred, while under this contract, the new owner will be taken to court, and puppy must be returned to the original breeder, for resale, with 60% being retained by the original breeder.

8) ( ) This puppy is NOT SOLD on a non breeding contract  Not until said puppy has attained his/her Canadian Conformation Championship, can they be bred.  Future breeding will be assisted by original owner, in selection of male/female for breeding purpuses.
     b) Puppy will be on co-ownership until Canadian Championship is met.

9)Should the purchaser be found negligent by the seller of any of the terms and conditions stated above, then it is hereby mutually agreed that the seller may repossess his/her dog without legal reprocussions by the purchaser.  No refund would be paid or expected in this instance.  All attempts would be made by the seller to help resolve the situation before this time, if asked.

10) The breeder is responsible for the puppies first set of vaccination shots, at the age of 8 weeks.  The booster shots that are required at the age of 12 weeks are the responsibility of the new owners.  If puppy is not picked up by 12 weeks of age, the breeder will have these shots done (at a 20% discount), and costs paid back to the breeder, at time of pickup of the puppy.

Signed
Purchaser ________________________  Date _______________
Seller __________________________    Date __________________